Sci-fi fans know that movies are better when there is an element of surprise. While a trailer or review can lure viewers to a film, they can also reveal major spoilers. Some movies need as little introduction as possible, so the story can twist and turn in unexpected ways. The sci-fi genre is filled with such films, from hidden gems to big-budget blockbusters.
The folks at r/movies ask what is the best movie to go blind with? It should come as no surprise that sci-fi fans are coming out in a big way to show love to the best of the best when it comes to the topic.
10 ‘The Matrix’ (1999)
Matrix was groundbreaking upon release and coined the term “Bullet Time” (120 camera shots taken in one shot with a high-speed camera and then combined into one iconic scene). Directed by Lana and Lily Wachowski and starring Keanu Reeves, it’s the perfect sci-fi movie to go blind for.
Reddit user rxsheepxr shared their viewing experience, writing, “Went into it knowing nothing more than a teaser trailer and ended up walking back to watch the next show with three friends.” Cyber/sci-fi fans might like this one. It’s a triple feature perfect for movie nights, like Matrix is the first in a trilogy.
9 ‘Unbreakable’ (2000)
Fans of M. Night Shyamalan must have seen one of the films initially, Unbreakable. As with other M. Night films, the less you know, the better. It tells the story of a man (brilliantly played by Bruce Willis) who experienced something extraordinary after a traumatic accident. Of course, look forward to the jaw-dropping ending. Unbreakable was the first in a trilogy, followed by film split And Glass.
One Reddit user joined in on the conversation, saying, “I watch it like it’s 2008, [eight] years after its launch. I’ve honestly never heard of it (I just [seven]) and watched it because I watched the movie M. Night Shyamalan… I’m so glad I wasn’t looking for plot details. Watching this film unravel is pure joy.” Another M. Night genre film, Tap Cabinstands as one of the best horror films of 2023.
8 ‘Love and Monsters’ (2020)
Sci-fi adventure fans should check it out Love and Monsters without knowing too much goes in. Directed by Michael Matthews, it’s about a young man who survived a monster apocalypse and goes on a quest to meet his ex-girlfriend. Don’t worry, there are plenty of surprises along the way to keep things interesting.
User not_an_Alien_Robot said of the film, “It’s as much fun and unpredictable apocalyptic as you might think. There’s a bit of monster gore, but definitely not ‘gore p*rn’ levels. Dylan O’Brien is in the lead and has the cast.” solid like Jessica Henwick And Michael Rocker. Totally worth a few hours of your time IMO.”
7 ‘Coherence’ (2013)
Coherence is one of the much better movies if you don’t know the synopsis. It’s about a group of friends who meet for a dinner party the night a comet passes overhead. Directed by James Ward Byrkit, one great thing about this cast is that it features newcomers like Emily Baldoni and such familiar faces Nicolas Brendon (Xander from Vampire Slayer Buffy).
User rcb532 took to Reddit to add this one to our list of the best movies to go blind, write, “Coherence! Truly a mind-bender of a film. I’ve never heard of him helping and the friends I showed him had the same reaction.” Unexpected and surprising, this is one film you don’t want to miss.
6 ‘Annihilation’ (2018)
Get into sci-fi movies Destruction much better without prejudice. Natalie Portman lead this adventure film about a biologist who embarks on a dangerous journey into a mysterious zone. Directed by a visionary Alex Bouquet (who also directed reality warping films Ex Machine),
Leo_theLurker chimed in for suggesting movies on Reddit. “You are on a wild ride,” they wrote. Anonred user agreed, saying, “This would be my suggestion. One of those movies I really want to forget, so I can experience it one last time again.” Destruction is one of the most unique sci-fi movies you will ever watch.
5 ‘Predestination’ (2014)
Looking for an underrated sci-fi movie that’s really good if you’re going cold turkey? Look no further than the action-packed film Destiny. Ethan Hawke (Black Phone And Wicked) assume leadership as an agent carrying out tasks that require extraordinary turns.
Reddit user sirkaracho added this one to their list of movies to go blind, saying, “Destiny. Discovering what the plot actually is is a really cool experience. Really when you think you’ve got it, you’re still on the tip of the iceberg.” This is edge of your seat entertainment at its best.
4 ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ (2014)
Tom Cruise starred in several sci-fi films in the 2010s, and End of Tomorrow is one that is even better if you have little to no information. Emily Blunt (Quiet Place) the main character in this film is about a soldier who fights an alien race that exists in a time loop.
Bosephus Prime wrote, “End of tomorrow is my favorite Tom Cruise role.” TheReinsofFullnight agreed, saying, “Ah! I love this movie. My husband and I randomly picked it up at Redbox a few years ago going blind. We were pleasantly surprised.” Be sure to add this one to your must watch list,
3 ‘Upgrade’ (2018)
Increase is a sci-fi film that flies under the radar and is well worth a watch with a little plot knowledge. It follows a man (played by Logan Marshall Green) in the near future who is paralyzed after a mugging that killed his wife. Directed by Leigh Whannell (the power behind Saw And Dangerous franchise), this film does not disappoint.
The_Knight_Is_Dark wrote, “I was desperately looking for a good sci-fi/Cyberpunk movie that I hadn’t seen yet. I saw it mentioned somewhere. I had never heard of it before so I gave it a go without reading the synopsis. What an experience. I was hooked from the start to the end. A hidden gem.”
2 ‘Arrival’
There are several films that leave the viewer speechless. Arrival is one of those movies that plays a lot better if you don’t know any better. Amy Adams dazzling as a linguist enlisted by the military to communicate with an alien race. Directed by Denis Villeneuve (which directs sci-fi hits like sand dunes And Blade Runner 2049), this one has to be seen to be believed.
Redditor cheesegoat wrote of the film, “Arrival. I love watching other people watch this movie.” A Reddit user who enjoyed the show joined in on the conversation, writing, “The last sequence is such a f*ck thought. I didn’t recover for hours.”
1 ‘Early’ (2010)
Christopher Nolan is a master of unconventional films that captivate viewers. Hard to believe that anyone has not seen Birth at this point, but there might be the lucky few who haven’t experienced the magic of this film firsthand. Leonardo DiCaprio And Marion Cotillard put on an amazing performance with a fantastic ensemble cast.
This title comes up in the better discussion of films when you know less. One user wrote, “Maybe a start? It starts off very interesting and mysterious. Grabs your attention from the first minute.” Part action and part adventure, this film will stay with you long after the credits finish rolling.